METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPTICAL NEAR-FIELD SCANNING MICROSCOPY OF TEST SPECIMENS IN LIQUIDS

摘要

Conventional methods for near-field scanning microscopy of test specimens in liquid assume the presence of a sufficiently smooth, reflecting specimen surface for detecting the vibrating movement of the optical fiber tip, and thus for controlling the distance between the tip and surface. Any desired specimens can be investigated in virtually any liquid by means of the method according to the invention, in which the vibrating movement is detected without reflection at the specimen surface, preferably with the aid of a light beam extending largely parallel to the specimen surface. Investigation of changes caused on the specimen surface by the liquid.